Documentary will tell tale of heroes in 1967 Belvidere tornado

Jennifer Corvino is creating a documentary that illustrates both the devastation and heroic efforts from the 1967 Belvidere todnado.

INSIDE: How to help, safety tips

Jennifer Wheeler

BELOW: How to help, safety tips

BELVIDERE — Hundreds of photos document the 1967 tornado that ripped through Belvidere, reminding residents of a disaster that left 24 dead and hundreds wounded.

Newspaper clippings and first-person accounts detail how cars were flung like rag dolls and Belvidere High School windows shattered from the gusts of wind. The articles paint a picture of residents in complete chaos, running from hospital to hospital to find their loves ones.

Words and photographs have provided community members a snapshot in time, but Jennifer Corvino is hoping to show another side of the tale. She’s creating a documentary that illustrates both the devastation and heroic efforts from that day.

“I want to create an emotional response in my audience. I want them to feel like it was that day and know that story. (I want them to know) those heroes and that those people who lost their lives are not forgotten,” Corvino said.

The former Belvidere resident started creating the documentary six months ago with her production assistant and up-and-coming journalist, Taurean Small. She purposefully limited the number of people working on the project since it is still so emotional for residents decades later.

“You can’t have a whole crew there asking about their worst day on this planet. When I’m conducting interviews, there can’t be anyone else in the room because it’s so emotionally charged,” she said.

Lonna Bentley, Boone County Historical Museum registrar, said the tornado has played such a significant role in the city’s history, although residents only talk about it when there’s an anniversary or a similar weather disaster strikes. Then people will look through photo albums and books and watch documentaries.

“The only story about that tornado that is left untold was from the victims who died,” she said.

Corvino hopes to show area residents her work by next summer. She’s excited to watch people see how this city came together in the midst of tragedy.

“There were a lot of heroes that day, and the town really came together. A lot of people don’t get to experience that,” she said.

Jennifer Wheeler: 815-987-1354; jwheeler@rrstar.com; @jenmwheeler

Help needed to complete documentary
BELVIDERE — Director Jennifer Corvino is asking for community members to come forward with their stories and donate money toward completing the documentary.

She needs more photos to finish her film since there is little video of the tornado. Ideally, those who submit the photos could identify the individuals in the picture and explain what was what happening at the time.

Corvino also needs money to purchase program software, camera rigs and hopefully pay anyone who helps complete the project.

Those interested in helping should email Corvino at belvideretornado@yahoo.com or visit the “Belvidere Tornado Documentary” Facebook page.

Tornado safety tips
Officials say having a plan is key in surviving a tornado. Below are tips from the Storm Prediction Center:

* Practice a family tornado drill at least once year. Determine where everyone will take cover and meet after the disaster.

* Avoid windows and get to the lowest floor, small center room, interior hallway or stairwell in a residence.

* Cover yourself with a mattress, sleeping bag or helmet to protect yourself from debris.

* After the tornado hits, stay away from damaged houses or buildings since they can collapse at any time.